Customer Reviews

Latin American Spanish, Conversational: Learn to Speak and Understand Latin American Spanish with Pimsleur Language Programs

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I was booked on a trip to Mexico and I wanted to learn a few common words and phrases that could help me understand the locals. The eight CDs, with two lessons each gave me a great start to being able to "Hablar con los Mexicanos" and I found learning the pronouciation was easy with all the repeating they do. Each lesson starts off with a conversation spoken at normal speed that is at first, hard to understand, but it's great near the end of the lessons because it trains your ear to understand Spanish spoken at this speed. The rest of the lesson is slower, with only a couple words at a time. Because there is no written books with this package, I recommend buying a Spanish phrase book that can clarify when a "v" is use or when it is actually a "b" or vice-versa. I had trouble with "g"s and "j"s too. There is a web site that the cds direct you to that shows you more cds to buy for further lessons, but I felt I had learned enough of the pronounciations to get by just using an additional phrase book.

I'm currently taking Spanish lessons, so these are great to practice with while driving or at home. The half hour lessons are well done and just right for me. Very likely that I will purchase the next set.

If you are just starting out learning Spanish, you will find these cds very helpful. I had studied Spanish before over the years, but I found this slow, repetive approach successful. The phrases are useful and there are both male and female Spanish speakers with slightly different accents which reflects how we'd communicate in real life. You won't become fluent, but this will definitely give your studies a strong start!

I've never learned a foreign language before but I am so enjoying these cd's. I feel like I'm learning quite a bit. (We'll see as I travel more) I definately will pursue my language education with future Pimsleur products!

I took the advice of the reviewers of the Pimsleur Comprehensive Programs, and purchased this abridged collection to see whether or not I would enjoy the Pimsleur Method before investing a large amount in the full blown product. I've only listened to the first 3 1/2 CD's and already I could have the following conversation:

Me./ "Good evening Miss, do you speak English?"

Lady./ "No, I speak Spanish"

Me./ "I'm Mr....'Smith'. I'm from Chicago. Do you know where the Columbus Hotel is?"

Lady./ "Do you have Pesos?"

Me./ "No, I don't have Pesos, I have Dollars?"

Lady./ "Ah, yes. I understand. Pleased to meet you. The Hotel Columbus is over there."

(The next morning at the Hotel Columbus)

Me./ "Good morning Miss. Thank you. Here, you have some dollars."

Lady./ "Thank you Mr 'Smith'."

Me./ "Adios Senorita."

Is this a great program or what? I'm send off for the 'comprehensive courses' right away.